There is no better way than your own legwork. Ask, Ask, Ask. If you call a flyshop make sure to call a few more and ask them also. If 2 or more shops recommend the same guide, they are probably a good bet. Check references. Call the guide. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting. Are they licensed properly for the state or provence you will be fishing? How long have they been fishing that stream or lake? Will you need help with casting, line control, reading water, or just fly selection and general spot? Will the guide only be a taxi for the day? Will you be in a boat, float tube, wading? Who will drive? Will you be moving, walking, floating all day or fishing only 1 or 2 spots? How long will the day be? Will the guide fish also? Does he teach or just tell you where to cast? What do you want out of the trip and can he give you that? The more you ask, the more the guide will reveal about himself. Read his website. Just be sure not to ask questions he has already answered on his site and if he is patient on the phone, he will be on the water. If he gets short you may be getting a guide that won't be plesent on the water.


Choosing a guide is only half the battle. You probably already know how to act when you are being guided but this article may help someone else reading the post.

http://www.flyguysoutfitting.com/guidedexperience.html